We sit down with Benjamin Holmgren of Ground Crew to uncover his journey from a blue-collar upbringing to building a community that supports contractors for long-term success. Topics: From Mini Excavators to Ground Crew: Benjamin’s Unique Path Life-Altering Moments: Resilience and a Shift in Perspective The Ground Crew Model: Connecting Contractors for Growth Leadership Lessons: Humility, Hunger, and Building Trust Industry Insights: Challenges and Opportunities in Construction The Balance of Ch...
Jul 13, 2025•1 hr 15 min
We sit down with Landon Morel of Southern Sun Paving to explore the journey of transforming a family paving business through modern leadership and strategic growth. Topics: Taking Over the Family Business: Navigating the Father-Son Dynamic Building & Leading High-Performance Crews The Southern Sun Tempo: Setting the Pace Social Media's Impact on Construction Business Growth Modernizing Operations: From Paper to Digital Finding & Developing the Next Generation Balancing Quality with Growt...
Mar 27, 2025•56 min
We talk show with Gloria Marie, a construction business owner and passionate advocate for women in trades and all folks in trades. Topics Industry Perspectives on Women in Construction Leadership & Communication Next Generation Development Next Generation Salary Personal Development Industry Trends & AI The Bred to Build Podcast is built for everyone looking to learn, grow, and level up — subscribe now for fresh episodes and more raw, unfiltered industry conversations. Liking The Podcast...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 23 min
We talk show with Angelo Suntres, a passionate advocate for construction workforce transformation, to dive deep into the biggest challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. Topics The Hard Truths (Expectations & Realities) Generational Divide: Old School & New School Collide Mental Health & Construction Culture Leadership That Actually Works Smashing The Class System The Crossroads (Technology, Modern Leadership, Mental Health) Retention & Training Building Community...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 5 min
How to lead when things go sideways. In this episode, we dive deep into the challenges of handling unexpected problems on the job site and when situations take a turn for the worse. Our guest, John Scepaniak, shares his extensive experience and insightful strategies for maintaining composure and leadership during chaotic times. Handling Bad News: John reflects on receiving some of the worst calls about equipment failures and how he managed these situations without resorting to frustration or ang...
Jun 26, 2024•44 min
This is the first time MattBangsWood shares his story. We learn more about his influences, how he got started, and the mentality he's developed to stay hungry in the game. Episode Summary: Family background and influences Building Up Contacts and Networking Social Media and Its Impact (Pros & Cons) Looking Forward and Supporting the Youth Advice to Those Starting Out Where's Matt Going Next... -- Building Up Contacts and Networking: Matt's approach to networking and building contacts within ...
Jun 06, 2024•59 min
Have you ever felt like you had a "make you" or "break you" project? We dive in with Victor Mezhvinsky, President and Founder of FORMA Construction, whose journey from immigrant roots to luxury builder is nothing short of inspiring -- Especially with one make or break project that defined his future. Episode Summary: Family Journey and High Expectations The Epiphany and Entrepreneurial Drive Navigating Challenges and Building Success The Project That Defined His Future Craftsmanship and Company ...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 12 min
On this episode we dive in with the legend, Ryan Smith (aka Roof Slayer), to discuss his journey of mastering framing and roof cutting, gaining knowledge, and embracing growth and mentorship. Episode Summary: Ryan's Journey and Expertise The Market for Hand-Cut Roofs Passing Down Knowledge and Challenges Embracing Education and Mentorship Ryan's Journey and Expertise: Ryan shares his journey into the construction industry, starting at 18 years old with a passion for carpentry. He discusses his r...
Apr 26, 2024•55 min
On this episode we dive in with Herb Sargent, President and CEO of Sargent Corporation, known for their heavy civil construction work across seven states in the Northeast. Episode Summary: Exploring Sargent Corporation Transition to Employee Ownership Investing in People and Development Utilizing Podcasting for Company Growth Future Outlook and Personal Reflections -- Exploring Sargent Corporation: Insights into Sargent Corporation's extensive operations and its evolution into a prominent player...
Apr 14, 2024•1 hr 31 min
College wasn't for Justin. His father was a builder and he found himself in Arizona building everything from kidney bean pools, shark tanks, and monster pools to keep the desert residents cool. On this episode we discuss more about: What motivated him to specialize in pools Lessons from another plumber in 2008 What qualities separate good builders from bad builders How to motivate your team and keep your team's morale high Training and retraining your team Getting your systems in place isn't you...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 21 min
7 Ways Sell On Value Not Price. We break down 7 topics in the episode and how it's worked for TJ Snowdon in his business. Communicate well. Communicate often. Be responsive. Take initiative. Get organized. Build systems. Show up. Be confident in your work. But don't be cocky. Look the part. Be professional. Make sure you're qualifying your client. Not just them qualifying you. Getting your systems in place isn't your strong suit? Hammr has got your back. Time tracking, payroll, benefits and comp...
Apr 23, 2023•22 min
American Pavement started with humble beginnings. It is a family-run business that prides itself on hard work, branding, and elevating the paving industry. In this episode, we chat with Matt Stanley, one of the four sons, about the family's history and the vision behind starting and growing the well-respected movement, Raised On Blacktop. In this episode we dig into: Story behind American Pavement Growing up in a construction family Family dynamics (roles & responsibilities) Founding story o...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 24 min
We did something new. We brought on a listener to share how the podcast has positively impacted them. Here are some things Lucas said during this episode: "Yes, recommend 10/10. Listen to the podcast. Take in as much content as you can. It has been phenomenal." "Taking those points from the podcast and like morphing it into... what can this do for me? And it's just been compounding." "They should listen to it because the content is there. Look beyond the conversation, and picture in your mind, l...
Feb 23, 2023•37 min
Tune in to hear from Schannon Yodice & Chris Ortega on how they build the That Tile Chick brand. In this episode you'll hear: Changing careers Starting a new life and business in a brand new city Using social media to grow their tile installation business & That Tile Chick Overcoming the struggles of being a woman in a male-dominated industry And their aspirations on where they want to take their brand next Podcast Powered by Hammr Hammr is the first all-in-one platform specifically buil...
Feb 15, 2023•1 hr 40 min
In this episode, we dig into some powerful topics including: Recovery and becoming the best version of yourself (a true transformation story) The importance of second chances and being a second chance employer Leadership advice for building culture and empowering employees And Keith's experience of completing a 100 mile ultra marathon 1) Keith shares his wild and inspiring story of recovery and turning his life around. He discussing his struggles with addiction and the process of rebuilding his ...
Dec 29, 2022•1 hr 57 min
In construction, your people make or break you. This is a no-BS episode... Tune in to learn more about how to: Solve your people problems Get the field and office/HR to work together Stop losing money on jobs Run a kickass meeting Eric Anderton (aka Construction Genius) joins us on the podcast. He's a trusted leadership advisor, executive mentor and expert meeting facilitator for construction companies that range in revenue from $10 million - $1 billion...he knows his stuff. If you enjoy this ep...
Nov 15, 2022•1 hr 22 min
Like war stories? You'll enjoy this episode. Taking over a business went south for this twenty-something year old builder. $400,000 in the red. Tune in to hear how this builder fought his way back to building a multi-million dollar business within 4 years. In this episode you hear us talk about: * Hire a lawyer and get your contracts squared away * Hiring and firing * Setting goals for yourself is a must And a lot more. Tune in. ---- Liking the podcast? Subscribe & write an awesome review. W...
Oct 19, 2022•1 hr 13 min
Have you ever felt like... You're taking on more work but you feel stuck You're growing revenue but you're not actually making more money You're great at your craft but lack some confidence on the business side Then you're going to want to listen to this episode. (Read below on how to win a 1-hour coaching consultation with Shawn Van Dyke -- Value: $500) Shawn Van Dyke , a former engineer and contractor turned construction business coach, hops on the podcast to dig into the problems most constru...
Aug 19, 2022•1 hr 26 min
In this episode, we unpack current market conditions with a leading housing and real estate expert John Burns, CEO of John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Questions we address: How’s housing and construction doing across the board? Which types of projects are being most effected? What impact are we seeing on consumer trends and products? And a lot more. Tune in to hear what the leading builders and experts have to say about the market and what's changing. Liking the podcast? Subscribe &...
Jul 22, 2022•47 min
10 years ago, BJ was a completely different person. He's sober, learning from the best mentors and coaches, and is rising the ranks in his market by creating local allies with other businesses and competitors in his market. BJ credits his success to his mentors and coaches. He wouldn't be where he is today without asking for help and applying his learnings along the way. In fact, if it wasn't for mentors and coaches, he would've had to close down the business for good. The more hands you shake, ...
Jul 10, 2022•1 hr 11 min
This isn't his first rodeo. He's been through it before. Jamie Verdura (Owner/General Contractor) will give you some insights into how he's thinking about a recession and which opportunities may surface. In the episode we talk about: when to self-perform, saying yes or no to work, hiring more labor, motivating your team, and his overall perspective on how you can take advantage of a downturn. Want to win during a recession? Tune in. Liking the podcast? Subscribe & write an awesome review. We...
Jul 05, 2022•56 min
Building a company through two downturns and crossing 30 years in business is no cake walk. Jeff Sweenor, owner of Sweenor Builders , talks about his upbringing working in his family's chocolate business, getting his start in construction with no experience, and remaining disciplined when it comes to building the best projects and the best business. The Sweenor team continues to push the envelop in further elevating the trades in many ways. Such as... Educational content that shows how they buil...
Jun 12, 2022•52 min
When is the right time to hire, scale, and start operating like a real business? Working in the business versus working on the business is a big difference. Tune in to learn from Tom Reber (The Contractor Fight), a former contractor turned construction business coach, on when it's the right time to break away from being a craftsman and start operating like a real business. In this episode, we discuss the term "The Craftsman Cycle®" and its effects on construction businesses and their owners. The...
May 30, 2022•1 hr 24 min
A career in construction is something that never crossed Jason's mind. He was obsessed with becoming a musician. An opportunity presented itself and he never looked back. Now he's found more success in construction than he ever imagined. In this episode, Jason Pietruszka from JJP Construction shares: His journey from being a musician, working in a pizza shop, to getting an opportunity to work for a developer that would forever shape his career. Being a developer, a builder, and a subcontractor. ...
May 15, 2022•58 min
Murray Kruger (Kruger Construction) is more than just a content machine will millions of followers. He's a father. Business owner. Car enthusiast. And a lot more. He's had many defining moments that have shaped his life. In this episode he shares... How he manages his work ethic and when to rest when burnout is lurking. What it's like being a father and the values he hopes to instill in his kids. What it's like being a business owner and things that keep him up at night. ...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Office job not for you? You're not alone. Kyle Stumpenhorst ( RR Buildings ) started off studying Computer Science, found himself unhappy clocking in at an office job, and chose to pivot his career into post frame construction and has never looked back. Tune in to hear about Kyle's journey, growing a massive following on social media, what he plans to do next, and who has the best calves. Want to help pay it forward and support the next generation of trades? Snag an RR Buildings hat from Beach a...
Apr 06, 2022•46 min
Nate Bowman and Rush Kane are hopping in their rigs to tour the United States to create modern welders. It starts with teaching the next generation the fundamentals and upskilling our nation's instructors. Tune in as we dive in with Nate Bowman to learn about this bada** welding tour. 🔨 Podcast Powered by Hammr 📱 The app build for the trades - Available on iPhone and Android Connect with us on... 👷♂️ Nate Bowman (Guest) His Hammr Handle: @weldscientist WeldLabs Website His LinkedIn His Insta...
Mar 15, 2022•1 hr 5 min
Cash is king in this industry. We dive in with Zaid Rahman, CEO of Flexbase, to talk about how they are creating a better system and platform for helping contractors get better access to capital, stay alive, and create a better business. 🔨 Podcast Powered by Hammr 📱 The app build for the trades - Available on iPhone and Android Connect with us on... 👷♂️ Zaid Rahman (Guest) Flexbase Website His LinkedIn 👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host) His Hammr Handle: @matt His YouTube His Instagram 👷♂️ Brek (Co-Host...
Feb 27, 2022•48 min
Tune in to hear why Jon Lefebre from Select Builders prefers being a bag-on contractor. 🔨 Podcast Powered by Hammr 📱 The app build for the trades - Available on iPhone and Android Connect with us on... 👷♂️ Jon Lefebre (Guest) Select Builders Website His Instagram 👷♂️ Matt (Co-Host) His Hammr Handle: @matt His YouTube His Instagram 👷♂️ Brek (Co-Host) His Hammr Handle: @brek Web: Hammr.com Hammr on Instagram...
Feb 20, 2022•42 min
How many times have you heard..."I don't want to train them because they're just going to leave." There's some truth here. You don't have a workforce forever. Marcus Gores thinks about building a construction company differently than most... Some folks may want to stay with Gores Construction forever, great, they will be trained. Some folks may want to learn skills to start their own business, great, they will be trained. And even better...they may become future subcontractors. Building a genera...
Jan 19, 2022•1 hr 21 min
